February is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a chronic and progressive eye disease that affects the macula. The macula is where your vision is sharpest. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in adults and primarily affects older individuals.
There are a number of symptoms characteristic of AMD, including:
· A blurred/blind spot in the center of your vision
· Requiring more light for reading
· Difficulty seeing in low light
· Colors not seeming as bright
· Overall vision is hazy
Contributing factors to AMD:
· Family history of macular degeneration
· Smoking
· High Cholesterol
· Sun exposure
AMD is not preventable. However, there are things you can do to help lessen its impact on your ocular health. Your macula contains an important protective substance known as macula pigment (MP). Your MP is composed of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin. The first two are obtained from diet and found in corn, squash, broccoli, and leafy green veggies like spinach and kale. These nutrients can also be consumed in an ocular supplement, like Focus Select.